Council Vets Await Newcomers

By Pilar Arias

Two of four San Antonio city council veterans say they’re looking forward to working with the newcomers.

District 3’s Rebecca Viagran is about to start her third term.

“Right out the gate what we’ll have to do is get to really know one another as a team,” Viagran said. She added that the new council members will need to keep state issues in mind ahead of the upcoming budget season.

District 4’s Rey Saldana has been serving the longest, and is still the youngest member on council.

“I’ll be the senior to the freshmen. Maybe I’ll show them around, show them the ropes and try not to be too hard on them,” Saldana said. For advice ahead of budget season, he recommended the newly-elected council members get out of the office and do ride-alongs with city staff directly impacted by financial decisions.

Those who won Saturday’s runoff will be sworn in June 21.

Both Viagran and Saldana said they’re excited to get to know their new colleagues.